Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Quantity Surveyor

🎯 Role Definition

A Quantity Surveyor is a specialist in construction cost management and commercial control who ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and comply with contractual and regulatory requirements. This role combines technical cost estimation, contract administration, procurement expertise and risk management to protect client financial interests throughout the construction lifecycle. Quantity Surveyors work closely with project teams, clients, contractors, and suppliers to forecast costs, monitor expenditures, and resolve commercial and contractual challenges.

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📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

• Assistant Quantity Surveyor
• Cost Estimator
• Junior Project Surveyor

Advancement To:

• Senior Quantity Surveyor
• Commercial Manager
• Director of Quantity Surveying / Cost Management

Lateral Moves:

• Contracts Manager
• Procurement Specialist

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Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

1. Prepare detailed cost estimates, budgets and Bills of Quantities (BoQs) for construction and infrastructure projects.
2. Conduct feasibility studies and lifecycle cost analysis to assess project viability and cost‑effectiveness.
3. Monitor project costs, expenditures and variances against approved budgets, recommending corrective action when necessary.
4. Analyze and interpret construction drawings, specifications and scope of work to determine material and labor quantities.
5. Prepare and issue tender documentation, including scope descriptions, schedules, and pricing instructions to bidders.
6. Analyze subcontractor and supplier quotations, negotiate competitive rates and select preferred vendors.
7. Draft, review and administer contracts, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
8. Manage procurement processes, including material sourcing, supplier agreements and contract awards.
9. Evaluate and certify interim valuations, progress payments and variations during construction.
10. Prepare final accounts and settlement reports, ensuring all cost adjustments, claims and variations are accurately recorded.
11. Provide commercial advice and cost guidance to clients and project teams throughout the project lifecycle.
12. Conduct risk assessments and develop strategies to control cost escalation and mitigate financial risk.
13. Review contractor bills and investigate discrepancies between actual and estimated costs.
14. Maintain accurate records of project financials, contracts, change orders and correspondence for audit purposes.
15. Attend pre‑contract and progress meetings with clients, architects, engineers and contractors.
16. Advise on legal, contractual and commercial disputes and collaborate with legal advisors where required.
17. Track material usage, labor deployment and on‑site progress to align actual performance with projected costs.
18. Prepare comprehensive cost reports, cashflow forecasts and financial summaries for senior management.
19. Ensure projects meet quality, health & safety regulations and industry standards related to budget and compliance.
20. Mentor junior surveyors and support professional development within the commercial team.

Secondary Functions

• Support ad‑hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
• Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
• Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
• Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

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Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

• Advanced cost estimating, budgeting and quantity take‑off skills.
• Proficiency with cost management and quantity surveying software (e.g., CostX, Cubit).
• Strong ability to analyze construction plans, specifications and tender documents.
• Contract administration and procurement expertise.
• Excellent understanding of construction law, contract terms and compliance standards.
• Capability to prepare, evaluate and certify interim valuations, final accounts and claims.
• Risk assessment and mitigation planning skills.
• Budget monitoring, cashflow forecasting and financial reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, project management and financial modelling tools.
• Understanding of quality assurance, health & safety and regulatory compliance.

Soft Skills

• Exceptional communication and negotiation abilities with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical thinking and decision‑making under pressure.
• Attention to detail and meticulous documentation skills.
• Project management and organizational capability.
• Relationship building and team collaboration.
• Adaptability in dynamic project environments.
• Problem‑solving mindset with commercial awareness.

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Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering or related field.

Preferred Education:

• Chartered status (e.g., MRICS, AIQS, CIQS) or working towards professional accreditation.

Relevant Fields of Study:

• Quantity Surveying
• Construction Management
• Civil Engineering
• Project & Cost Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
3‑7+ years of progressive experience in quantity surveying, cost control or construction commercial roles.

Preferred:
Proven track record in managing complex construction projects, contract administration and preparing detailed commercial reports for senior stakeholders.